Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
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Review the literature regarding the use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) to prevent red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in critically ill patients. ⋯ rHuEPO reduces the need for transfusions. A cost-effectiveness analysis of rHuEPO for this indication is needed. Defining an optimal dosage regimen, identifying patients most likely to respond to rHuEPO, and determining risk factors for ICU associated anaemia would provide information for appropriate rHuEPO utilization.
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Review Comparative Study
Systematic review of the analgesic efficacy and tolerability of COX-2 inhibitors in post-operative pain control.
To evaluate the relative analgesic efficacy and tolerability of single-dose COX-2 inhibitors in post-operative pain management. ⋯ The analgesic efficacy and tolerability of single-dose COX-2 inhibitors were more effective than opioid-containing analgesics and similar to non-selective NSAIDs in post-operative pain management. Further studies are needed to examine the efficacy and tolerability of COX-2 inhibitors compared against active comparators over a longer duration to assess whether these short-term effects are mirrored by longer-term outcomes and to determine their ultimate risk-benefit profile.